The Battalion: January 26, 2011

thebattalion

campus news

Provost candidate to visit campus The search advisory committee for the position of provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs invites Texas A&M to participate in a campuswide interview session for the second of two recently announced finalists Karan Watson. Watson, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, will be available for a general interview session from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, in Rudder 601.

James Coleman, vice provost for research at Rice University, was on campus for a general interview session. The feedback will be compiled by the search advisory committee and provided to President R. Bowen Loftin to assist in his final decisionmaking process for this important position.

A&M News

coming thursday

What do you do for me?

Today’s libraries don’t just hold books. Thanks to new media technology, Texas A&M University Libraries can help you work on research and projects using iPods, movies, online databases, virtual maps, recorders, projectors and much more.

● wednesday, dnesday,

january 26, 2011

● serving g

texas texa te xas a&m si xa ssince in ncce 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media

students

1 stage, two degrees

Second Life proves an effective learning tool

Student graduates from two universities on same day Christine Perrenot

I

heard of Second Life two wo years ago, and it was introduced to me in a negative light. During a particular 20/20 episode, a segment aired about the ldetrimental effects that “alternate reality” networkingg sites were having on individuals. Second Life was featured.

The segment contained the B-roll footage of Second Life players whose online counterparts were more successful and attractive than their real life doppelJoe gangers. Second Life was Terrell portrayed as digital wastesophomore land populated by a unique telecommunication society of refugees from reality. I major adhered to this view until I was given the opportunity to personally explore Second Life in an educational setting.

One of the best things, however, about Second Life is how accurately the virtual A&M campus is portrayed online.

During the time I had before class began, I would stroll — or fly — around the island the college is built on. Many famous University landmarks have been faithfully reconstructed, including the Academic Building, Cushing Library, the Memorial Student Center, Fish Pond, the clock tower, See Second Life on page 4

Professor Leroy Dorsey is shown, half avatar, half human. His class meets mostly in the real world but other times they meet in Second Life A&M Campus where the professor can lecture and teach from Powerpoint slides.

inside

b!

J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION

Visit Aggieland in Second Life

trends | 3 The Great Hunt

Derrick and Cherise Ratliff, class of 2007, are competing for their a produced and paid for hunting television show on the Sportsman Channel.

sports | 5 Set for Sooners The No. 5 A&M women’s basketball team travels to Norman today to take on No. 13 Oklahoma.

voices | 8 State of the Union The State of the Union address seemed to be remarkably similar to past speeches.

Pg. 1-1.26.11.indd 1

To find out more information about A&M’s Second Life campus visit http://itsinfo.tamu.edu/ secondlife. Second Life is free, but to acquire more things such as land or other objects users have to purchase “Linden Dollars.” Once in the virtual world people are able to customize their avatar to fit their personality and looks.

A&M’s virtual campus contains many realistic landmarks such as Academic Plaza, the water tower, and the Bonfire Memorial.

The Battalion The stress of an approaching graduation, although exciting, can also be overwhelming.

Finishing class work, looking for a job and moving plans can worry students. Making sure everything is set for graduation at two separate universities, on the same day, seems almost impossible.

For Rebecca Sappenfield, a recent graduate of both Texas A&M University and Texas A&M University in Galveston, the idea seemed possible. Aggies are taught to work hard and follow their dreams, and Sappenfield had no problem with that.

Sappenfield received a degree in English at Texas A&M University in College Station at 9 a.m., Dec. 18, 2010, and a degree in marine biology at Texas A&M University in Galveston at the same time.

Sappenfield began her college education at Texas A&M University in Galveston, so she chose to walk across the stage there on the day of her graduaSee Degrees on page 7

community

National award for CS police Michael Teague The Battalion While some cities suffer from high crime rates or dangerous streets, residents who live in the City of College Station are fortunate to have a law enforcement dedicated to safety. In December, the College Station Police Department was nationally recognized for their efforts during National Night Out. “The purpose of National Night Out is to go out and educate residents on different crime prevention techniques,” said Lt. Craig Anderson of the College Station Police Department.

“There are measures offered by the police department but at the same time, we teach neighbors how to watch out for themselves also.”

The National Association of Town Watch awarded College Station under Category 3 for population sizes between 50,000 and 99,999. Richardson, Cedar Park, The Woodlands and Bastrop County were the other departments from Texas that received awards in Category 3.

“It means a lot. For them to See Police on page 6

campus

Students search for prizes on campus How to play There is no entry fee to participate.

Simply follow Texas A&M on Twitter and Foursquare for clues posted each day.

Alex Randolph Special to the Battalion Texas A&M is partnering with the Collegiate Licensing Co. on Tuesday and Wednesday, to jumpstart an innovative social media scavenger hunt powered by smart phones. “[I am] ready to get some clues – Just chillin’ at Poor Yorick’s until one goes out.” Charlie Nelson, a current student, posted on his Twitter page.

The hunt involves clues posted on Texas A&M’s Twitter page and a virtual check-in using

the geographic locator application, Foursquare.

Students who follow the clues and reach the destination must check-in, and will then receive one of many prizes including MSC Bookstore merchandise, iPods, University Dining Services gift cards and Adidas apparel.

“This scavenger hunt is designed to encourage students to explore their campus and experience Aggie tradition,” said Diane C. McDonald, director of social media and marketing programs.

“It’s a unique way to explore and learn more See Scavenger hunt on page 7

JD Swiger — THE BATTALION

Sophomores Haley Gatlin, general studies major, Charlie Nelson, political science major and freshmen Nick Wilson, business major and Valerie Hamilton, general studies major participate in the smart phone scavenger hunt.

1/25/11 10:10 PM

things you should know

5 before you go Cooking Donations on a against budget Damnations

1

2

Money Wise Aggies will have an information session on how to budget to spend less on food from 1:50 to 2:50 p.m. today in the Pavilion, room 236.

The Agnostic and Atheist Student Group will have fundraiser in support of accepting other Aggies for who they are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Friday next to the Academic Building.

Students can give donations to such groups as Aggie Allies and the Women’s Resource Center.

3

Love and money

Money is one of the main causes of marriage problems. Learn some of the money topics couples should discuss before they get married to avoid problems after the wedding. An information session will be from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday in room 236 of the Pavilion.

Finance study abroad

4

Texas country show

Money Wise Aggies will have an information session from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Friday in room 236 of the Pavilion to discuss options for funding study abroad tips.

The Texas country band Southern Echoes, based out of College Station, will play at 10 p.m.

Saturday at Schotzi’s.

5

b! thebattalion 01.26.2011 page3

scene

Former students compete for hunting show Matt Bizzell The Battalion Former students Derrick and Cherise Ratliff, both class of 2007, have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to film and edit hunts in the great outdoors for a chance to win a coveted show on the Sportsman Channel. Derrick and Cherise make up the only team from Texas and need some Aggie help to push them through. “While at home for lunch one day, a commercial came on regarding application to become a team on North American Safari: Hunting for the Dream. I called in and spoke to a producer immediately,� said Derrick. “After he told us he liked our story and that we would be a great fit, we were awarded the final team spot on the show.�

Derrick grew up on a 1,000 acre farm in North Texas and spent his younger days baling hay, playing football and of course, hunting. He attended Texas A&M for a wildlife and fisheries sciences degree with a minor in business. While in Aggieland, he met his wife, Cherise.

Cherise grew up on 450 acres in south central Texas where hunting was a holiday tradition. She attended A&M for a degree in business finance that would later lead the two to new lives in Oregon. Yet it didn’t take long for the enticing call of Texas to reclaim its hold, leading the couple to move back to the Lone Star State and reside in Spring, closer to family, favorite hunting spots and Aggieland.

Derrick said he was excited about the latest turn in the couple’s lives, the opportunity to win a television show. “My dad called me the other day and said he had been talking with a cowboy at the sale barn in Oklahoma City who had seen us on TV the night before. It’s those moments when it hits you that you really are doing what you love and what you’ve dreamed about,� he said. “It is even all that more special for me because I am getting to do it with my wife,�

Hunting for the Dream is an accurate title for a show giving out an opportunity to live as one wants to and present that life nationwide. The program is based on a reality show concept, with viewers voting for a favorite team. The winner of Hunting for the Dream will be rewarded with television program in 2012, which will be completely produced and paid for.

The competition will be fierce and voting will be essential to the Ratliff’s success, Derrick said.

As for filming the show, he said the two have already fallen in love with the editing process, even though they are new to the concept. “Filming hunts changes the entire experience and presents a huge challenge all in itself. All of the factors have to be just per-

Courtesy photo

Derrick and Cherise Ratliff, both class of 2007, are attempting to spread their passion for hunting to the nation by winning a television program on the Sportsman Channel. fect,� he said. “You have to have enough camera light, the camera has to be able to see the animal, the animal has to be in focus and the camera has to be steady. Sometimes everything happens so fast you forget the dumbest details like pressing record and then you miss the kill shot, but the perfect recording is priceless.�

The show will run on the Sportsman Channel at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, so viewers have multiple chances to catch the show every week.

The voting period lasts through July, as the show airs for three months and then reruns for another three. Votes are allowed only once per IP address during the entire six-month period, so Derrick said he encourages supporters to vote from home, work, the library and anywhere else so that they can cast multiple votes.

If the Ratliffs win, they will be giving away an entire hunt on Agarita Ranch to show their appreciation, with plans for that

hunt to be filmed and aired on the new show. Those interested can sign up at www.hunteclipse.com.

Based on his experiences so far, Derrick said he has gained valuable insight into pursuing his dreams. “Blindly believe in yourself. There is a difference in that and the common saying of never letting people tell you what you are capable of doing,� he said. “Also be content in where God has placed you at any given time. That one was a hard one for me to learn. Proactively chase your dreams, but figure out how to be content in your current situation as well, or else life will be a frustrating uphill battle where you cannot be used by God to impact those around you.�

Aggies can follow the details of the Ratcliffs’ ongoing adventure by joining the Facebook group “Team Eclipse — Hunting for the Dream� and by going to the couple’s website.

PURE HEART !�

“

A BROADWAY HIT !

SOARING & JOYFUL !�

“

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By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613. Or drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Cost is $64.90, including shipping and sales tax. Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

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Beautiful Engagement Rings

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Robby Colwell Class of ‘81

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Second Life Continued from page 1

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Fish Pond, the clock tower, and most poignantly, the Bonfire Memorial. All of these locations can be entered and explored, just like their real world counterparts. This feature is most appreciated when you enter the MSC and find yourself in a spot-on replication of the MSC Flag Room. It has to be seen to be believed. Other not-so-famous landmarks include the Texas A&M beach, which contains a giant blue waterslide. One can only hope that as soon the MSC restoration is finished that this online portion of campus will be considered for immediate real world implementation.

Second Life is an online 3-D virtual world that can be downloaded at no cost to the user. It was launched in 2003 by Linden Lab and since then has had more than 21.3 Dorsey is a million accounts professor in registered. The the departworld — which ment of users call “The communicaGrid” — contion. tains islands, major cities, clubs, colleges and major landmarks. Even though the program is free, users can buy in-game currency, called “Linden Dollars,” with real money and use it to buy clothes, property and entrance to certain areas.

In fall of 2010, I enrolled in COMM 340: Communication and Popular Culture, taught

by Leroy Dorsey. The curriculum required students to download and create Second Life accounts so the professor could hold class within this digital domain. After I downloaded the massive file, I was prompted to create an avatar — no, not like blue people from that James Cameron movie with the explosions, but a digital representation of myself. Typing in “Texas A&M Campus” into the search bar, my avatar soon found himself dumped into the middle of the Academic Plaza, where I then proceeded to find my classroom.

The academic environment flawlessly transfers over into Second Life. It is difficult to critique the learning experience within the program because it is almost identical to its real world counterpart. I sat down, listened to the lecture and took notes. Volume can be adjusted easily, so no matter where you are sitting, it sounds as if you are in the front row.

The fact that the classrooms support the use of PowerPoint slides makes the transition all the more fluid. You can communicate with others using a chat-style messaging system, or if you have a computer mic, by talking via voice chat. The controls are easy to use and the world is a breeze to navigate.

In a sense, anyone with a basic understanding of computers should not find Second Life difficult to explore.

Most of the drawbacks of Second Life are intrinsically linked to the technology itself. The digital presentation sometimes lags and the frame rate drop can be atrocious, especially when flying. While I did not have any trouble attending the lectures, I could see how these technological glitches could unfairly prevent a student from a productive and enjoyable experience.

Overall, I think these issues will be resolved in the near future with an ever-improving digital network.

Since class ended in early December, I have not logged into my Second Life account.

I probably never will again.

The time I spent in Second Life was fun, entertaining and when used in the context of a classroom experience, offered a unique Aggie experience.

Considering that the University paid money to have this virtual campus, you should at least check it out. Where else on campus can you plummet down a waterslide or lounge on a beach?

© 2011 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. In this document, “PwC” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a Delaware limited liability partnership), which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity. We are proud to be an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pg. 4-1.26.11.indd 1

1/25/11 9:30 PM

men’s basketball | The No. 11 Aggies have the week off before travelling to Lincoln Saturday to take on Nebraska.

equestrian | The No. 1 Aggies return to action for the spring season when South Carolina comes to town Friday.

men’s tennis | No. 10 A&M welcomes in Mississipi State, Miami and Arizona for ITA Kickoff Weekend Saturday.

sports

thebattalion 01.26.2011 page5

Embarking on Boomerland No. 5 Aggies look for 12th straight win Mike Teague The Battalion In the first of two games that will decide who has the early edge in the race to the Big 12 championship, Texas A&M’s No. 5 women’s basketball team travels to Norman today for a showdown with No. 13 Oklahoma.

A&M (17-1, 5-0) and Oklahoma (15-3, 5-0) both enter the matchup with perfect records in conference play. In the Big 12 standings, both teams are knotted up with No. 1 Baylor, who the Aggies will face Sunday.

“Nationally, people are talking about A&M and Baylor, but you can’t forget Oklahoma is undefeated too,” Head Coach Gary Blair said. “They’re 5-0, we’re 5-0 and so it’s all three of us right now.”

After recording career-highs in minutes played last week, senior center Danielle Adams is becoming vital to A&M’s success.

Adams leads the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 22.4 points per game and pulls down a teamhigh 8.6 rebounds per game.

“Because we’ve been behind, I haven’t taken her out,” Blair said. “She’s forced some shots early but then she took over.

You’re going to play her inside or you’re going to play outside. We will adjust on our offense depending on what you’re doing on defense.”

Running the attack for the Oklahoma Sooners will be senior guard Danielle Robinson who dishes out 5.33 assists per game and ranks third in the Big 12 in scoring with 18.4 points per game. When the Aggies went to Norman last season, Robinson recorded 24 points and seven assists to lead the Sooners to a 74-65 win over A&M. “She’s the best point guard in the league,

maybe the best point guard in the nation,” Blair said. “Oklahoma is a streak team. They can get eight points probably quicker than any other team in the league because of the speed of their guards.”

Making a comeback after suffering a season-ending ACL injury in 2009, Oklahoma sophomore guard Whitney Hand is averaging 15.5 points and 6.7 rebounds in six games this season. Blair emphasized how important Hand is to Sooners’ Head Coach Sherri Coale.

“Whitney Hand is a kid that comes on the court smiling, leaves the court smiling and plays with a happy face the whole time,” Blair said. “Sherri depends on her so much to make plays. Since she’s got back in January, she’s played tons of minutes. She’s only had one poor game, and I think that’s the difference in their team right now.”

Blair highlighted the importance of senior guard Sydney Colson, who will play a key role on both ends of the floor for A&M. Colson leads the Big 12 in assists averaging 6.38 per game but it will be her defense against Robinson and Hand that will determine how much she is able to contribute.

“She’s got to realize that her steals, we don’t care about,” Blair said. “We care about her fouls. I just want her to be solid on defense. She leaves our post players vulnerable when she’s always reaching or fouling. It’s up to Sydney to adjust her game.”

A&M has lost to the Sooners in their previous three trips to Norman and hasn’t won at Oklahoma since 2007.

“It’s just another great atmosphere,” Blair said. “I really wish our fans could feel what we have to feel when we go on the road. I want them to realize how hard it is to win and make a statement. The league has a pretty good home-winning percentage.”

File photos — THE BATTALION

Top: Senior center Danielle Adams leads the Big 12 in scoring with more than 22 points per game. Left: Senior guard Sydney Colson leads the Big 12 in assists with over six per game. Both players will be counted on heavily as No. 5 A&M puts its 11-game win streak on the line against No. 13 Oklahoma at 7 p.m. tonight in Norman.

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news/comics

page 6 wednesday 1.26.2011

thebattalion

Police Continued from page 1

recognize us as having an outstanding neighborhood watch program and our National Night Out event is a wonderful recognition for us,” Anderson said.

Although the department is proud of the award, the impact of the event on the community is what they value. Anderson emphasized the importance of National Night Out in the College Station community and explained how important it was for citizens to get to know their neighbors. The impact of knowing the people next door could make a difference in the event of a crime.

“The problem is that people don’t know their neighbors and they don’t watch out for each other,” Anderson said. “Criminals come into the neighborhoods and commit crimes.

They may try to impersonate a moving company with uniforms and a moving truck and nobody expects anything out of the ordinary.

If neighbors would just communicate with each other, a lot of these crimes could be prevented. It provides extra eyes and ears that help police officers fight crime.”

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Adrian Calcaneo— THE BATTALION

classifieds SPECIAL

PLACE

efforts of the police department and understand that a strong community is one of the best ways to prevent crime.

“I think the fact that the police department is taking time to put on this event shows just how important we are as citizens to helping them do their job,” said Brittney Bowles, a resident of College Station. “By working with the police department, I believe that we can make our city a safer place to live in.”

Due to the benefits brought on by the event, Anderson and the department are eager to continue the National Night Out tradition.

“We start planning around July and August,” Anderson said. “We’ll start sending out applications for block parties and organizing them. We’ll plan the ride-alongs with our officers, city council members, and other volunteers in our department.”

The National Association of Town Watch has hosted the National Night Out event since 1984. According to their website, the goals of National Night Out are to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support for anticrime programs and strengthen neighborhood and police-community relationships.

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Horse Lover’s Dream! 3bdrm, minutes from A&M, 5 acres, Fenced, $1395/mo, 4334 N.Grahm.

979-776-8984.

Custom 2007 dark gray w/white stripes V6 Mustang. 53,000mi. Black interior. Salvage title. $12,500 o.b.o. 956-821-0706.

HELP WANTED Artist needs female canvas subjects, body image project. $30/hr. call Alyssa 817-507-6140.

Large 3bd/3ba Fox Run Condos.

W/D, gated. $1600/mo. Utilities paid. Available now. 979-575-7343.

New homes for rent. Close to campus! 4bd/4ba, 3bd/2ba. Call today!

254-721-6179. Broker.

www.AggieNetwork.com

LARGE UNLIMITED TOPPINGS

10.00

$

www.papajohns.com 601 University Dr. 1740 Rock Prairie Rd.

979-846-3600

Child Care- FT & PT shifts available.

Some nights & Saturdays required.

Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan.

Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

COLLEGE STUDENTS! Part Time work. $16 base-appt. Flexible, conditions apply, all ages 17+. Call now! 979-260-4555.

Commerce National Bank is seeking Part Time Tellers available to work either a morning shift of 7:15a.m.-1:00p.m. or afternoon shift of 1:00p.m.-6:00p.m. and alternating Saturday mornings. CNB Tellers provide excellent customer service while completing transactions such as cashing checks, receiving deposits and making withdrawals. Must have previous cash handling experience, strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Visit www.commercenb.com for application. Applications & resume may be faxed to 806-792-0976 or emailed to gmills@lubbocknational.com EOE Experienced part-time lawn maintenance workers needed. $7.50/hr.

Call Kirk, 979-324-2719.

FOR SALE

Cottage. Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba, 1000sqft., W/D, Balcony, wooded.

Private drive. Quiet. $600/mo.

979-777-2472.

Fully furnished, luxurious 4/4 Waterwood townhome for lease August 2011. 1596 sf. W/D, 2-miles to TAMU, on bus-route. 1001 Krenek Tap. $2000/mo. Contact Stephen 512-694-3311.

Cheddar’s Casual Cafe and Fish Daddy’s on University Drive are now accepting applications for servers and hostesses. Come be a part of our friendly team! Apply in person. EOE.

979-680-0508

Full-time medical technician for growing allergy practice wanted.

4-year degree and 1-year commitment required. We are looking for an intelligent, positive, friendly person to join our team. We teach skills that are an asset for anyone interested in a career in healthcare and can help a candidate get into medical school. E-mail resume to docmgr@yahoo.com Have you seen the cool handles on board the Spirit shuttle buses?

HIGH FIVE ADVERTISING needs students on a part-time basis that have some flexibility with their schedules to sell advertising to the local business community to go on the handles. This is a great way for advertisers to get their messages in front of the students. Please send your resume to Gregg Brogden gregg@h5advertising.com

puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com

HELP WANTED Have the summer of your life at a prestigious coed sleepaway camp in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, 2.5 hours from NYC. We’re seeking counselors who can teach any Team & Individual Sports, Tennis, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Mt. Biking, Skate Park, Theatre, Tech Theatre, Circus, Magic, Arts & Crafts, Pioneering, Climbing Tower, Water Sports, Music, Dance or Science. Great salaries and perks.

Plenty of free time. Internships available for many majors. On-campus interviews on Feb. 1. Apply online at www.islandlake.com Call 800-869-6083 between 9-5 eastern time on weekdays for more information.

Help wanted part-time building attendant for the Brazos Center. $10.10hourly. Work schedule will vary from 12-20 hours/week. Janitorial duties and customer service.

Apply: Brazos County HR Dept.

County Courthouse. Visit our website for more info at www.co.brazos.tx.us Hollywood Cafe Bistro at Premiere Cinema, Grand Opening, Feb. 2011, wait staff, cooking, and coffee barista needed, experience preferred, shift pay, movie tickets, and other perks, call 713-291-2923 for information and interviews.

Little Guys Movers now hiring FT/PT employees. Must be at least 21 w/valid D.L. Apply in person at 3209 Earl Rudder Freeway.

Now hiring bike or car delivery.

Burger Boy Northgate. 311 Church.

Now hiring college sales agents for goWiFi to sell WiFi to local businesses. Earn up to $115/sale and make your own hours. Seeking motivated students looking to build business skills and make money. No experience necessary. Contact info@gowifi.com or visit gowifi.com for more information.

Part-time person needed for website development work plus all types of social marketing for local business. 979-220-4822.

PT help needed. Local hunting club needs PT guides. Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior level workers. Average 1 day/week in off- season; 2-3 days/week in Fall and Winter. Limited hunting privileges. Applications at www.yardbirdhunting.com P/T work cleaning pools, 15-20/hrs a week, Spring semester and maybe Summer, 979-402-0878 or 979-229-0071.

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys.

MUSIC Best deal in town- DJ services/audio rentals. RDM Audio does it all!

Weddings, parties, band set ups, PA systems, Event Lighting, 979-260-1925. rdmaudio.com Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience.

Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!!

979-693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com

REAL ESTATE B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Re/Max, Michael McGrann. TAMU ‘93 engineering. 979-739-2035, 979-693-1851. aggierealtor.com

ROOMMATES $320/mo. Female roommate needed. One huge room with attached bath and large closet available now in a 2bd/2ba apt.

1030sqft, on bus route 22, pet ok.

832-334-1426.

1 roomate 3 bed 2 bath. $425/mnth+utl. Contact email: baloo1515@yahoo.com 1-2 roommates needed. 4bd/4ba at Waterwood on SW Parkway. W/D, private bath, on bus route. Short or long term leases available. $400/mo. includes utilities, cable/internet. Call 254-721-2716.

1-Female wanted. 4bd/4.5ba. River Oaks Townhome on Holleman. $500/mo. 512-351-2057.

1-male roommate needed at Zone Apartments. 2bd/2ba fully furnished, W/D, bus route. $485/mo +electricity. 512-398-5787.

1-Male roommate needed for 1/2 fully furnished condo. Close to campus, on shuttle route, W/D. No smoking/pets. $450/mo. lmzachary@hotmail.com 281-543-6263.

1-Male roommate needed in 4bd/4ba condo. W/D, on bus route, bike to campus. $350/mo +utilities.

Sublease through May or August.

361-816-1224.

2bd/1ba Anderson Place Apartments. W/D, cable/internet, all bills paid. $360/roommate. Male. Busroute. 979-402-2486.

Female roommate wanted, $450/mo. plus utilities, Woodbrook Condos. Call 281-795-4110.

Female roommates needed.

4/3 house, big rooms and closets, private bath, W/D, internet/cable. $400/mo +utilities. 817-734-3303 Female wanted. 3bd/3ba Woodlands. Private bed/bath, fully furnished, $650/mo, new custom paint/carpet. Workout facility, theater, computers, study room, security on premises. 630-536-9001.

Male roommate needed for sub-lease. $300/mo. 3bd/2ba house.

Contact 210-347-9604.

BRYAN: 1/1 W/STUDY, SPACIOUS UNITS W/ALL APPL, W/D CONN, PAID W/S, GARBAGE, INTERNET & CABLE! $490-$505/mo www.twincityproperties.com

Medium sized bedroom for rent in a 3/2.5 home near 2818 and Texas, on bus route 33, $500(Negotiable) All-Bills-Paid. “Great view of downtown Manhattan!” 979-422-9141.

TUTORS BRYAN: 2/1.5 RENOVATED APTS AVAIL ASAP, A MUST SEE TRANSFORMATION W/ ALL NEW EVERYTHING! W/D CONN, ALL APPL, POOL, PAID W/S, GARBAGE, INTERNET & CABLE! $550-$575/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com

Online math tutor. $8.50/hr.

Calculus I/II, Trig, Business Math. http://JimmieMathTutoring.blogspot.com

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news

page 7 wednesday 1.26.2011

thebattalion

Degrees Continued from page 1

ation. Her Texas A&M diploma was forwarded to Galveston so she received both diplomas at the same time.

“I had a lot of friends from my freshman year that had been through such hardships that I got to graduate with,” Sappenfield said.

After beginning school in Galveston, Sappenfield and many of her friends had to evacuate to the main campus inland due to Hurricane Ike. At one point, Sappenfield thought that she had lost all of her be-

Scavenger hunt Continued from page 1

about the Texas A&M campus.”

The hunt began Tuesday, but students are encouraged to jump in at any time. There is no entry fee, and the only requirement is that you follow Texas A&M on Twitter and Foursquare. Up to four clues will be posted each day on Twitter and there will be a representative with a Foursquare marker at each of the secret locations.

The scavenger hunt is not only a hunt, but a race. There are 10 prizes at every location.

“Awesome idea with the Social Media Scavenger Hunt!

Wish they had this stuff when I was a student. Good luck!” Jessica Clements, former student and current Houston resident, posted via Twitter.

Michael Green, an intern for the division of marketing and communications, brought geolocation technology to the University’s attention.

“With Foursquare, a new student has a tour guide at their fingertips. In the most general sense, it’s the next step to social media,” Green said.

McDonald added that Foursquare is great because it allows upperclassmen to leave virtual tips for future Aggies. These future Aggies can then leave tips of their own, creating a new way to pass on traditions and knowledge about the campus.

Some Aggies already have ideas to some secret locations that future students will love.

One student, posting on her Foursquare profile, suggested that students visit the Student Recreation Center and ask to see the underground pool, saying ‘it’s really awesome and not a lot of people know about it’.

Upperclassman Caroline Hirko said that social media is a great way to connect, and she would definitely be interested in leaving tips for future Ags. “The nook in the oceanography building is pretty cool, and the pond in the Maroon and White garden—I like that place a lot,” Hirko said.

According to McDonald and Green, A&M is trying to connect with its students using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. Green added that it is a good thing for the University to be a frontrunner in social media.

“A lot of students are already using Foursquare, but we’d like to get attention at the Texas A&M Foursquare page,” McDonald said.

Current A&M student Justin Payne said he’s heard of Foursquare but has never used it.

“It’s helpful for people to utilize their resources,” Payne said. “I think social media is one of the only ways for the university to effectively reach students in this generation.”

Foursquare, a site that has recently become more popular among students, is a virtual locator that users can use to check-in anywhere that Foursquare is used. They can enter a building and check into the location on the net using a smart phone. Foursquare also allows users to see which locations their friends have checked into.

“Foursquare is taking people away from the computer and helping people explore their world virtually,” McDonald

Pg. 7-1.26.11.indd 1

longings and had to start thinking of a way to keep going with her education. During that time said that she really enjoyed Aggieland and had gotten excited about Aggie traditions and the life here. She then decided to stay in College Station and work on another degree. “[My experience] wasn’t easy, but I made it work. I had a lot of help from the administrative office,” Sappenfield said.

Sappenfield met a lot of people in College Station that she liked and on which she had an impact. “[Rebecca is] very enthusiastic and passionate about helping others,” said Mahesh Padanad,

professor for Sappenfield’s microbiology class.

Padanad thinks the reason she was able to be so successful with her degrees was due to her strong reasoning and critical thinking.

“She does not need motivation from others. She is very confident in her abilities and can take the lead to make things happen,” Padanad said.

Sappenfield’s mother is also pleased with how her daughter has overcome her challenges.

“The circumstances at which the whole situation began were daunting, but overall the experience was great for her. As a parent, I was very pleased and

always felt that she was capable to follow through with all of her decisions,” said Poleteme Sappenfield.

Sappenfield is a role model to anyone wanting to have an education that includes a little bit of everything and a lot of work.

Sappenfield has degree in English and marine biology with minors in chemistry and French. She is considering going to law school or getting her master’s degree next, and is taking her Grade Record Examination, GRE, the Law School Admission Test, LSAT, and the Graduate Management Admission Test, GMAT, coming up in February.

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said. “[It] also replaces loyalty cards at some restaurants and businesses that use the program.”

McDonald also said it’s easy to check in and receive discounts or coupons for the restaurants that students frequent.

Starbucks is one of the many companies that use the program.

“Foursquare and Twitter tie into traditions on campus but with a contemporary twist. We hope that students participating in the scavenger hunt will meet others and have some fun,” McDonald said. ®

UNIVERSITY DINING

1/25/11 9:41 PM

EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail

call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters

‘

will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is verified.

Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

voices

thebattalion 01.26.2011 page8

Meet the new speech, same as the old speech

State of the Union address resembles past presentations by President Obama

L

ast night Obama outlined his plan to “win the future” and the only thing truly remarkable about his plan was that it hasn’t changed.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

Pg. 8-1.26.11.indd 1

In 2009 during Obama’s speech to a joint session of congress unemployment was at 8.2 percent. After a year of stimulus, and a drawn out and controversial health care debate unemployment was at 9.4 percent during Obama’s 2010 address. Today unemployment is at 9.4 percent after a long recession and a slow recovery where many Americans have simply given up looking for jobs.

“Now is the time to jump-start job creation, re-start lending and invest in areas like energy, health care and education that will grow our economy, even as we make hard choices to bring our deficit down,” Obama said in 2009 at his speech to a joint session of congress.

“That is why jobs must be our number one focus in 2010,” Obama declared in his 2010 State of the Union Address before listing top priorities; financial reform, innovation (clean energy), increasing exports,

education and health care.

“The third step in winning the Tuesday night Obama served up a future is rebuilding America.” Some cold dish of recycled rhetoric and might remember this as a primary stale policy ideas that haven’t selling point for American delivered since he entered Recovery and Reinvestment office.

Act of 2009.

“The first step in This year’s he says to winning the future is “reduce barriers to growth encouraging American and investment, I’ve orinnovation. We’ll invest dered a review of governin biomedical research, ment regulations.”

Taylor information technology Last year he said, “I ask and especially clean energy Wolken Congress to move quickly technology — an investjunior economics on legislation that will ment that will strengthen major finally reform our outdated our security, protect our regulatory system.” planet and create countless Obama emphasized fanew jobs for our people.” miliar memes like bipartisan cooperaOr as he put it last year, “But to tion, and keeping jobs in America. truly transform our economy, protect He paid lip service to business speakour security, and save our planet ing of eliminating burdensome regufrom the ravages of climate change, lations and lowering the corporate tax we need to ultimately make clean, rate. He recycled an earlier proposal renewable energy the profitable kind to “freeze annual domestic spending of energy.” for the next five years.”

Next, “if we want innovation to Ultimately the resounding message produce jobs in America and not from the president was clear. Expect overseas — then we also have to win more of the same thing. the race to educate our kids.”

Considering the lackluster reOr as he put it last year, “In a covery, persistent high unemployglobal economy where the most valument and generally poor state of the able skill you can sell is your knowleconomy, I was hoping for some new edge, a good education is no longer ideas.

I didn’t even get a new speech. just a pathway to opportunity – it is a pre-requisite.”

1/25/11 10:28 PM